What To Know
- Wear a hat or use a hair sunscreen to protect your hair from harmful UV rays.
- A hair gloss is a semi-permanent treatment that coats your hair with a protective layer.
- Green hair is caused by copper ions in pool water reacting with the proteins in your hair, forming greenish-blue compounds.
Swimming is a refreshing and invigorating activity, but it can leave you with an unwelcome souvenir: green hair. This unsightly discoloration is caused by copper ions in pool water that react with the natural proteins in your hair, forming greenish-blue compounds. Luckily, there are several effective ways to prevent green hair from swimming and keep your locks looking their best.
1. Wet Your Hair Before Swimming:
Before taking the plunge, wet your hair thoroughly with clean water. This creates a barrier that prevents the pool water from penetrating your hair shaft and reacting with the copper ions.
2. Use a Swim Cap:
A swim cap is the most effective way to keep your hair dry and protected from the pool water. Choose a cap that fits snugly and covers all of your hair.
3. Apply a Leave-in Conditioner:
Leave-in conditioners create a protective layer on your hair, reducing the absorption of copper ions. Apply a generous amount of conditioner to your hair before swimming and leave it in.
4. Rinse Your Hair Immediately After Swimming:
After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual pool water. You can also use a clarifying shampoo to remove any remaining copper ions.
5. Use a Copper-Removing Shampoo:
If you do end up with green hair, use a copper-removing shampoo to neutralize the copper ions. These shampoos contain ingredients like citric acid or vitamin C, which help dissolve the copper compounds.
6. Avoid Chlorine-Based Hair Products:
Chlorine-based hair products can damage your hair and make it more susceptible to green discoloration. Opt for sulfate-free and chlorine-free hair products instead.
7. Protect Your Hair from the Sun:
Exposure to the sun can lighten your hair and make it more prone to green discoloration. Wear a hat or use a hair sunscreen to protect your hair from harmful UV rays.
8. Consider a Hair Gloss:
A hair gloss is a semi-permanent treatment that coats your hair with a protective layer. This layer helps repel pool water and copper ions, preventing green hair.
9. Use Filtered Shower Water:
If possible, use filtered shower water to rinse your hair after swimming. Filtered water contains fewer copper ions, reducing the risk of green hair.
10. Swim in Saltwater Pools:
Saltwater pools typically contain lower levels of copper ions than freshwater pools. If you have access to a saltwater pool, it’s a great option for preventing green hair.
11. Avoid Metal Jewelry:
Metal jewelry, such as necklaces and earrings, can react with the copper ions in pool water and transfer them to your hair. Remove all metal jewelry before swimming.
12. Use a Metal-Removing Shower Filter:
A metal-removing shower filter can remove copper ions from your shower water, reducing the risk of green hair.
13. Try a Lemon Rinse:
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help dissolve copper compounds. After swimming, rinse your hair with a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and water.
The Final Splash:
By following these tips, you can effectively prevent green hair from swimming and maintain healthy, vibrant locks. Remember, consistency is key. Make these practices a part of your swimming routine and enjoy chlorine-free, green-free hair all season long.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Why does my hair turn green after swimming?
A: Green hair is caused by copper ions in pool water reacting with the proteins in your hair, forming greenish-blue compounds.
Q: Can I use regular shampoo to prevent green hair?
A: Regular shampoo may not be effective in removing copper ions. Use a copper-removing shampoo or a clarifying shampoo to neutralize the copper compounds.
Q: How often should I use a copper-removing shampoo?
A: Use a copper-removing shampoo once or twice a week, or as directed on the product label.
